The census enumerators books (CEBs) are a very commonly
utilized tools for genealogical research in England and Wales.
They do differ markedly from the census returns used in the US in
content, but more importantly is the fact that the information
was recorded on one night, the same night all over England and
Wales.

This book is divided into six sections, each developing a
particular theme. These themes are: the enumeration process;
population and demography; employment and occupations; migration
and population turnover; family and household structures;
residential patterns. Each new section has a chapter written by
the editors which explores the potential and possibilities of
the CEBs in relation to the themes in question, as well as
providing an overview of previous research work and the
approaches taken. The points raised in the editorials are
illustrated in chapters based on revised and updated articles
which were originally published in the Local Population
Studies journal.

Tucked into the chapters are lots of material of use to the
genealogist, for example, a list of all published census reports,
1801-1901. I especially found the chapter A floating
population: vessel enumeration returns, 1851-1921 helpful
in explaining how the system for maritime censuses worked and its
great limitations, plus what effect ships can have on the
published statistics of a community. Two chapters examine the
accuracy of reported ages, two others look at combining the
census with other records such as estate maps and tithe maps,
other chapters look at occupations and population movement.

The is an excellent book for those who want to go beyond
finding their own individual ancestor to an examination of the
community in which they lived. It provides examples of studies
done elsewhere and may give an example with which to compare your
ancestors community. There is a very extensive accumulated
bibliography included.